Frequency of the "Gravity Transition Effect" during Aerial Combat Mission of F-16 Aircraft, ROKAF.
- Author:
Ki young CHUNG
1
Author Information
1. The Armed Forces Busan Hospital, Korea. chungkiyoung@yahoo.com
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
GTE;
F-16 aircraft;
PPE (push-pull effect);
Reversed PPE
- MeSH:
Aircraft*;
Humans;
Hypergravity;
Hypogravity;
Missions and Missionaries*;
Videotape Recording
- From:Korean Journal of Aerospace and Environmental Medicine
2004;14(3):100-104
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
BACKGROUND: Current studies have focused mainly on the push-pull effect (PPE), the reduction of +Gz tolerance when hypergravity (>+1 Gz) preceded by hypogravity (<+1 Gz). However, the reduced G tolerance could be induced by any G-transition. The frequency and extent of maneuvers to cause G-transition effect (GTEM) have not been studied previously in fighter aircraft. METHODS: 26 HUD (head-up display) videotapes from F-16 aerial combat training missions were reviewed for the presence of GTEM. The frequency and magnitude of the +Gz profiles were analyzed. RESULTS: GTEMs were found in 34 (29.6%) of 115 engagements reviewed. PPEMs (maneuvers found to cause push-pull effect) and rPPEMs (maneuvers found to cause reversed PPE) were found in 7.8%, 11.3% respectively. Combined maneuver that rPPEM followed by PPEM consecutively was found in 10.4% of engagements. There was no difference the frequency of GTEMs between BFM and ACM engagements (28.8% vs. 30.9%). CONCLUSION: GTEMs including PPEMs and rPPEMs are present in aerial combat training missions of F-16 aircraft and represent a significant source for accidents. These findings support the necessity of continued research into the physiologic response to GTE.
